Upon reflect on the year gone by, a selection of exceptional in-depth pieces emerges. Such accounts explore complex themes including political intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply human journeys.
A Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Country
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with sharp commentaries on power. While several of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or left the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. This poses a key question: Has he turned into an apologist for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his sole route to escape incarceration was to join the regime forces. After 14 years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may now put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was proclaimed as radically changing the story of our human race. But, not everyone was convinced. The resulting heated scholarly debate has consumed the careers of researchers ever since.
The British Religious Group That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the disturbing breadth of abuse it had carried out.
The Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on International Law
A great many voters expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the UK's dedication to human rights. But, the record over the past year has been curiously mixed.
Shattering a Country's Myth
A film tracking a repentant con artist as she sets up corrupt individuals with covert recording raises thorny questions: Is she really changed, and is the director's true methods?
A Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their most challenging times, families depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Iconic Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, difficult finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an consistent medical solution – up until perhaps now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings shape the uppermost echelons of the state.
An English Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp intellect and impeccable credentials, it's no surprise that affluent clients entrusted him with their assets. Until they began to become wary.
A Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly wealthy country has risen as a major actor on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. What are fueling this ambitious role?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader relishes the international arena, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?
An End of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.
A Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a medical study in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the precise story of the procedures remains somewhat shrouded.
The "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and distributed huge amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the possibility that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Destitution
As I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still hoped his life might improve. I was devastatingly mistaken.
The Global AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he may possess the key to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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